HBO Special "Taking Chance"

[Big Jim]

I just finished watching this HBO special about a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Mike Strobl, played by actor Kevin Bacon, and his true journal of escorting Marine Corps Private First Class Chance Phelps, who was KIA in Iraq, back home to his family in Wyoming.

It was very, very moving and actually somewhat renewed my faith in the public in general who have showed respect and reverence for this young Marine at every airport and stop they made on the way home. I know these procedures for taking the deceased and fallen military home to their familes are set in place for that very reason of respect but to see how it affects the public and watch complete strangers come and give respects to someone they have never met makes me feel proud to be a part of my beloved Corps.

I, like so many others on this site, have seen combat and its atrocities and this factual and true rendition of what the Lt.Col. went through and what the public had done and how they acted was really eye opening as I have felt priviledged to have observed the last short journey of an honorable person's life who has sacrificed all for our freedoms.

This movie was done right and accurate by the people at HBO for its interaction between our beloved Marine Corps and the civilian world. Its good to know we are not and will not be forgotten.....even when we fall and give our all. Its a good and factual show. My hats off to Lieutenant Colonel Mike Strobl and his journals and to the powers that be which decided so they should be made into a movie. SEMPER FI.....

[jetdawgg]

The Warrior Culture showed it's best when Kevin Bacon slept in the hanger area with Pvt Chance who was in the coffin. The other part that moved me much was whne Kevin Bacon gave the cross that he received on the flight to the family.

A very well produced production by HBO and should be up for an emmy award at the very least.

Semper Fi to all my Marine brothers and sisters

[BR34]

Damn I didn't know it was showing already. This wasn't just some special viewing was it? If not I'm gonna catch it on Demand tomorrow.

[davblay]

Damn I didn't know it was showing already. This wasn't just some special viewing was it? If not I'm gonna catch it on Demand tomorrow.

It started again at 2330 EST, will be on tomorrow twice as well, check oyur HBO schedule.

I burned a copy on DVD so I can watch it whenever I want to.

I tell you this much, my eyes leaked a time or two during the movie! Well Made for HBO movie, Kevin Bacon played his usual fine Marine officer.

This is a movie that every American shold see, even in high school. The people have to know what's going on with the war, and how we treat our fallen dead servicemen and women!

IMHO,Bacon looked the part,to bad he ain't really one of us, but he should be an honorary Marine in my opinion! What say ye? He sure wears that Officers uniform well, don't he?

Dave

[thedrifter]

Through the eyeball sweat, I felt it was a emotional and moving movie...

Ellie

[thedrifter]

Taking Chance also airs on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/

Ellie

[sgt tony]

This is what the Marine Corps is all about. Taking care of there own

This was a good movie for all to see. I also burnt a copy to have a showing in my town.
Hats off to HBO and all the actors.

Semper Fi

[commdog7]

Outstanding movie.

I couldn't help but look for descrepancies in the movie, minor Marine no-no's regarding the uniform/traditions/customs and courtesies/etc. I was surprised to not find a single violation. It was definately a well done performance by Kevin Bacon and the rest of them, a real tear-jerker.

Semper Fidelis

[davblay]

I'd have to agree. It was well made and I think everyone should see it. I'd say Col Strobl was on set to make sure of the uniforms. Outstanding story.

Dave

[Jeran]

I too saw the movie on LCPL Chance Phelps (stated in the end).

I can honestly say this, I have never cried to a movie. Because a movie is a movie to me, no matter how real it is depicted, but this was truly something else.

The moment I saw the processing point for the fallen Marine, my heart dropped to my stomach like it was real. I felt such emotions which I've probably have not felt since my Grandfather passed away at the age of 13 (Im 23).

Its hard to type the feelings/emotions I felt throughout the movie, it was too surreal. I could not any longer control my emotions when in the scene of the Airport where Lt.Col Strobl character wouldn't leave him to be alone in cargo area. Sleeping side by side next to him. Watching this with a friend who was in shock to see me tear and sob so hard I had to excuse myself to regain enough strength to continue.

I am happy to see for once a establishment like Hollywood do the right thing.

I only wish the rest of my generation would truly understand the such ultimate scarifies made and stop their ignorance about Military service.

It is very hard for me to even comprehend how the 4,247 (Iraq War Casualties as of 03/23/2009) and 656 (Afghanistan War Casualties as of 03/23/2009) Servicemen and women will ever get the 'chance' to be remember properly and rightfully.

[sgtrock1970]

This was excellent-it not only shows the Marines rendering honor but the other services also- SF

[0231Marine]

IMHO,Bacon looked the part,to bad he ain't really one of us, but he should be an honorary Marine in my opinion! What say ye? He sure wears that Officers uniform well, don't he?

Not the first time he's played a Marine officer either. He was a Captain and prosecuting attorney in A Few Good Men opposite Tom Cruise.

[NoRemorse]

Missed it on Saturday. I don't remember Saturday at all. I remember that I had been planning on seeing it for weeks. Caught it last night at 2230. Watched it alone in the dark so the allergies wouldn't hit me so bad.

Didn't work. Finally got to sleep at about 0200 or so. Woke up at 0515 and now I'm waiting until later on tonight when I watch it with the wife.

I hope this movie becomes one of those they show in grade school.

[jetdawgg]